Wound care method and system with one or both of vacuum-light therapy and thermally augmented oxygenation

ABSTRACT

A system for treatment of a wound area of a patient including a first treatment pad comprising a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for cleaning and exposing a wound area to ultraviolet light, a second treatment pad comprising removal ports for exposing the wound area to a negative pressure, and a control unit interoperably connected to the first and second treatment pads for providing a negative pressure and the ultraviolet light to the wound area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/062,428, filed on Oct. 24, 2013. U.S. patent applicationSer. No.14/062,428 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No.13/359,210, filed Jan. 26, 2012. U.S. patent application Ser.No.13/359,210 is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/975,047 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,128,672), filed on Oct. 17, 2007.U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/062,428 claims priority from, andincorporates by reference the entire disclosure of, U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/679,156, filed on Apr. 26, 2011. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/975,047 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,128,672) is aContinuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/801,662 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,100,956), filed on May 9, 2007. U.S. patent applicationSer. No.11/975,047 claims priority to, and incorporates by reference theentire disclosure of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/852,803, filed on Oct. 19, 2006. U.S. patent application Ser.No.11/801,662 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,956) claims priority to, andincorporates by reference the entire disclosure of, U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/798,982, filed on May 9, 2006. This patentapplication incorporates by reference the entire disclosure of U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 13/359,210; 11/975,047; and 11/801,662.U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/062,428, 13/359,210, 11/975,047,11/801,662, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/679,156, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/798,982, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/852,803 are each incorporated herein byreference.

This patent application is related to and incorporates by reference U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/488,709, filed on Jul. 18, 2003;U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/550,658 filed on Mar. 5,2004; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/894,369, filed on Jul. 19,2004. This patent application incorporates by reference commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,097,829; 5,989,285, and 6,935,409.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a wound care method and system with oneor both of vacuum-light therapy, pulsed radio frequency (“RF”), andthermally augmented oxygenation, and more particularly, but not by wayof limitation, to a programmable wound care control unit configured togenerate a negative pressure for wound cleaning with light therapy, and,in one embodiment, pulsed RF or oxygenation of a wound area for healingin conjunction with high thermal contrast modalities generated by thecontrol unit.

Description of the Related Art

An important aspect of patient treatment is wound care. Medicalfacilities are constantly in need of advanced technology for thecleaning and treatment of skin wounds. The larger the skin wound, themore serious the issues are of wound closure and infection prevention.The rapidity of the migration over the wound of epithelial andsubcutaneous tissue adjacent the wound is thus critical. Devices havebeen developed and/or technically described which address certainaspects of such wound healing. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,823 toLina et al. (“Lina”) describes a wound therapy device that facilitateswound closure. A vacuum pump is taught for collecting fluids from thewound. WO 93/09727 discloses a solution for wound drainage by utilizingnegative pressure over the wound to promote the above referencesmigration of epithelial and subcutaneous tissue over the wound.

In other embodiments, wound treatment is performed using light therapy.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,081,128 to Hart et al. (“Hart”) describes amethod of treating various medical conditions such as, for example,joint inflammation, edema, etc., utilizing an array of Light EmittingDiodes contained on a flexible substrate that may be wrapped around ananatomical feature of the human body. U.S. Pat. No. 6,596,016 to Vremanet al. (“Vreman”) discloses a phototherapy garment for an infant havinga flexible backing material, a transparent liner, and a flexible printedcircuit sheet containing surface-mounted LEDs. The LEDs preferably emithigh-intensity blue light, suitable for the treatment of neonatalhyperbilirubinemia. The device may include a portable power supply.

In other embodiments, wound treatment is performed using oxygen. The useof oxygen for the treatment of skin wounds has been determined to bevery beneficial in certain medical instances. The advantages aremultitudinous and include rapidity in healing. For this reason, systemshave been designed for supplying high concentration of oxygen to woundsites to facilitate the healing process. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,578,022 to Scherson et al. (“Scherson”) teaches an oxygen producingbandage and method. One of the benefits cited in Scherson is the abilityto modulate a supply of concentrated hyperbaric oxygen to skin wounds.Although oxygen is beneficial in direct application of predetermineddosages to skin wounds, too much oxygen can be problematic. Oxygenapplied to a wound site can induce the growth of blood vessels forstimulating the growth of new skin. Too much oxygen, however, can leadto toxic effects and the cessation of healing of the wound. It would bean advantage, therefore, to maximize the effectiveness of oxygen appliedto a wound area by enhancing the absorption rate of oxygen into the skinand tissue fluids. By enhancing the absorption rate of the oxygen in thewound, less exposure time and concomitantly fewer toxic side effects tothe endothelial cells surrounding the wound, such as devasculation,occurs. It would be a further advantage, therefore, to utilize existingmedical treatment modalities directed toward other aspects of patienttherapy to augment oxygenation for wound care.

It has been accepted for many years by medical care providers thatpatient thermal therapy can be very advantageous for certain injuriesand/or post operative recovery. For this reason, thermal therapy hasbeen advanced and many reliable and efficient systems exist today whichprovide localized thermal therapy to patients in both pre and postsurgical environments. In particular, absorption of oxygen by cells isenhanced by contrast thermal therapy wherein the wound area is heatedprior to being saturated with oxygen and subsequently cooled.

Addressing first thermal therapy systems, several devices have beenengineered to deliver temperature controlled fluids through pads orconvective thermal blankets to achieve the above purpose. Typically,these devices have a heating or a cooling element, a source for thefluid, a pump for forcing the fluid through the pad or blanket, and athermal interface between the patient and the temperature controlledfluid. U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,304 to Elkins (“Elkins”) is, for example,directed to a mattress cover device which contains liquid flow channelswhich provide the selective heating or cooling by conduction.

Devices have also been developed for simply providing heat or cooling toa person in bed. Electric blankets containing electric heating elementshave been used, for example, to provide heat to people in bed. Likewise,cooling blankets, such as the blanket disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,660,388 to Greene (“Greene”), have also been proposed. Greenediscloses a cooling cover having an inflatable pad with plenum chambersat opposite ends thereof. Cool air is generated in a separate unit anddirected to the pad and out to a number of apertures on the underside ofthe pad and against the body of the person using the cover.

A disposable heating or cooling blanket is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,125,238 to Ragan et al. (“Ragan”), which has three layers of flexiblesheeting. Two of the layers form an air chamber while a third layerincludes a comfortable layer for contact with the patient. Conditionedair is directed toward the covered person through a multiplicity oforifices in the bottom layers of the blanket.

A temperature controlled blanket and bedding assembly is also disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,285 to DeVilbiss et al. (“DeVilbiss”), assignedto the assignee of the present invention. DeVilbiss discloses atemperature controlled blanket and temperature control bedding systemhaving the provision of both recirculating temperature controlled fluidand temperature controlled gas to enhance performance for convectivelyheating or cooling a patient. Counter-flow or co-flow heat exchangingprinciples between the temperature controlled liquid and the temperaturecontrolled gas achieve temperature uniformity across different sectionsof the blanket and the bedding system. Drapes and the temperaturecontrolled bedding system provide a temperature controlled envelopearound a person using the bedding system. In one embodiment of thebedding system, the air portion of the bedding system is provided foruse with a patient that supplies the fluid portion of the overallbedding system. In another embodiment of the bedding system, the fluidportion of the bedding system is provided for use with a patient bedwhich supplies the air portion of the overall bedding system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,829 to Quisenberry (“Quisenberry”) describes animproved temperature controlled fluid circulating system forautomatically cooling a temperature controlled fluid in a thermalblanket with a thermoelectric cooling device having a cold side and ahot side when powered by electricity. The temperature controlled fluidis cooled by the cold side of the cooling device and pumped through, to,and from the blanket through first and second conduits.

Finally, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/894,369, assigned to theassignee of the present invention, teaches a sequential compressionblanket for use with heating or cooling therapy. In this particularembodiment, the utilization of thermal therapy with sequentialcompression in a programmable format which further has the option of theintroduction of oxygenation through a perforated membrane disposedbetween the patient and the thermal therapy pad is taught. Theseadvances in the medical industry have been recognized as advantageous toboth the medical care providers as well as the patients. The precisemanner of oxygenation application is, however, still in the process ofdevelopment.

The present invention provides improvements in wound care by providingmultiple wound healing approaches such as, for example, the applicationof negative pressure over the wound area along with light therapy of thewound area, and oxygenation of the wound area in conjunction withthermal therapy. By combining an oxygenation modality that is utilizedin conjunction with light and thermal therapy and/or sequentialcompression in association therewith, the individual benefits ofnegative wound pressure, light therapy, and oxygenation treatments canbe synergistically enhanced.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a therapy system. Thetherapy system includes a therapy pad having a plurality of fiber-opticstrands and a port. A pressure switch is fluidly coupled to the port. Anoxygen source is fluidly coupled to the pressure switch. A vacuum pumpis fluidly coupled to the pressure switch. A plurality of light emittingdiodes is operationally coupled to the plurality of fiber-optic strands.The pressure switch adjusts the therapy pad between vacuum andoxygenation therapy.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a therapy pad. Thetherapy pad includes an outer surface and an inner surface. A bladder isdisposed between the outer surface and the inner surface. An array offiber optic strands is disposed on the inner surface. An inlet isdisposed on the outer surface. The inlet is fluidly coupled to aplurality of ports disposed on the inner surface. A radio frequencyantenna is disposed on the inner surface.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treatinga wound area. The method includes dressing the wound area with a therapypad and administering at least one of ultra-violet light and vacuumtherapy to the wound area via the therapy pad. In various embodiments,the method may also include administering oxygenation therapy to a woundarea via the therapy pad, administering thermal therapy to the woundarea via the therapy pad, and administering a pulsed radio frequencysignal to the wound area via a radio frequency antenna disposed withinthe therapy pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the presentinvention may be obtained by reference to the following DetailedDescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the wound care system according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a process according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevational cross sectional view of a therapyblanket/pad according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevational cross sectional view of a therapyblanket/pad according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a therapy blanket/pad accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a wound evacuation and UV LEDtreatment pad according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a wound care system according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a is a block diagram of a wound care system according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a wound care system according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration of a combination therapy padaccording to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of a combination therapy padaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described morefully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodimentsare provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in theart.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an illustration of oneembodiment of a wound care system 10 in accordance with principles ofthe present invention. The system 10 comprises a control unit 12, atherapy blanket/pad 14 and a plurality of tubular members 16 (to bedefined below) connecting the control unit 12 to the therapy blanket/pad14. The system 10 further includes a wound evacuation and ultra violetlight emitting diode (UV LED) unit 28 and a wound evacuation and UV LEDtreatment pad 58. The wound evacuation and UV LED unit 28 is connectedto the control unit 12 while the wound evacuation and UV LED treatmentpad 58 is connected to the wound evacuation and UV LED unit 28. A systemfor providing both oxygenation therapy in conjunction with certainaspects of thermal therapy and fully describing the thermal operationand sequence compression aspects of one embodiment of the presentinvention is set forth and shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/894,369, assigned to the assignee of the present invention andincorporated herein in its entirety by reference. For that reason,thermal detail relative to the interaction between the control unit 12and the therapy blanket/pad 14 relative to the thermal fluid flow andpressurization for sequenced compression therapy is not further definedherein. What is defined, is the added aspect of wound care provided bywound evacuation and light therapy. Light therapy is the application oflight energy to the skin for therapeutic benefits. LED light therapypromotes wound healing and human tissue growth. Energy delivered by theLEDs enhances cellular metabolism, accelerates the repair andreplenishment of damaged skin cells, as well as stimulates theproduction of collagen which is the foundation of a healthy and smoothskin. Light therapy is non-ablative, non-invasive, and painless.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the use of the therapy blanket/pad 14 to thewound site of the patient may be, in one embodiment, subsequent to thecleaning of the wound area of dead tissue by the wound evacuation and UVLED treatment pad 58. In one embodiment, Velcro cross straps may beutilized to secure the therapy blanket/pad 14. A 93% concentration ofoxygen has been suggested to be advantageous when applied to a woundsite as described herein with one or two atmospheres of pressure. Inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention, an oxygengenerator/concentrator 20 may be utilized within the control unit 12 ormay be separate therefrom. In FIG. 1, an oxygen generator/concentrator20 is shown in association with the control unit 12 by dotted line 22and an oxygenation gas line 24 shown extending between the control unit12 and the therapy blanket/pad 14 as a diagrammatic illustrationaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, fiber optic strands (not explicitly shown) direct ultravioletlight from a plurality of LEDs (not explicitly shown) to an array offiber optic strand ends (not explicitly shown) located on theundersurface of wound evacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58. Thecontrol unit 12 may be used to modulate the ultraviolet light to createvarious patterns of light, different intensities of light, and differentdurations of light. For example, the control unit 12 may be used togenerate pulsed emission of ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light iscapable of penetrating through several layers of skin to destroyinfectious bacteria. In one embodiment, not specifically shown herein,the UV LED treatment pad 58 may be provided on the therapy blanket/pad14. According to exemplary embodiments, the ultraviolet light from theplurality of LEDs located on the undersurface of wound evacuation and UVLED treatment pad 58 destroys a wide variety of microorganisms such as,for example, bacteria which causes skin infections. In addition, theultraviolet light from the plurality of LEDs improves wound healingalong with cell and bone growth. Furthermore, the use of LEDs in lighttherapy is safe, non-invasive, drug-free and therapeutic.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is a block diagram 200 illustrating theflow of oxygenation gas as a transfer fluid according to an embodimentof the present invention. As set forth in the block diagram 200, acontrol unit display 30 is provided in conjunction with ananalog/digital processing unit 32. A plurality of sensors 34 areutilized in conjunction with the processing unit 32 for control of heattransfer fluids to the therapy blanket/pad 14 as well as the oxygendelivery thereto. The oxygen generator/concentrator 20 is connected to apower supply 36, which power supply 36, also powers the processing unit32. The oxygen generated from the oxygen generator/concentrator 20 isthen pumped through compression pump 38 before delivery to the therapyblanket/pad 14. It should be noted that an oxygen supply may also beused.

Referring still to FIG. 2, a water/alcohol reservoir 40 is shown influid flow communication with fluid pump 42 and Thermo Electric Cooler(TEC) heater/cooler 44. The TEC heater/cooler 44 is controlled by theprocessing unit 32 and a TEC supply 46 is likewise shown. Adjacent theTEC supply 46 is illustrated a diagrammatical schematic of a treatmentchamber 50 defined beneath the therapy blanket/pad 14 wherein thetreatment chamber 50 is thermally exposed to the thermal fluid by thefluid path therein illustrated. The adhesive attachment edges 52 thereinshown likewise define the treatment chamber space 50 between the therapyblanket/pad 14 and the wound site to allow for the flow of theoxygenation gas therein.

Referring still to FIG. 2, there is shown a vacuum pump 59 powered bythe power supply 36. A collection chamber 56 is connected to the vacuumpump 59 and to a wound evacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58. The woundevacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58 is used prior to the therapyblanket/pad 14, in one embodiment of the present invention, for cleaningthe wound area in preparation for oxygenation in conjunction withthermal therapy in accordance with the present invention.

Referring still to FIG. 2, there is shown a plurality of ultravioletLEDs 60 and fiber optic strands 62, which are interoperably connected tothe wound evacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58. The wound evacuationand UV LED treatment pad 58 is used prior to the therapy blanket/pad 14,in one embodiment of the present invention, for removing bacteria fromthe wound area in preparation for oxygenation in conjunction withthermal therapy in accordance with an embodiment. According to exemplaryembodiments, ultraviolet light from the plurality of LEDs 60 destroys awide variety of microorganisms such as, for example, bacteria whichcauses skin infections. In addition, the ultraviolet light from theplurality of LEDs 60 improves wound healing along with cell and bonegrowth. Furthermore, the use of the plurality of LEDs 60 in lighttherapy is safe, non-invasive, drug-free and therapeutic.

According to exemplary embodiments, the ultraviolet light from theplurality of LEDs 60 is in the range of approximately 200 to 450nanometers and higher, and energy levels of up to 35,000 microwattseconds/cm², which are necessary to eliminate or destroy mostmicroorganisms such as bacteria, spores, algae and viruses. Mostbacteria can be destroyed at ultra violet energies of from about 3,000to about 5,000 microwatt-seconds/cm² while mold spores may requireenergies in the 20,000 to 35,000 mW-seconds/cm².

Referring now to FIG. 3 there is shown a flow diagram of a process 300according to an embodiment. The process 300 starts at step 101. At step102, the wound area is cleaned of dead tissue, any undesirable fluids,and bacteria by applying the wound evacuation and UV LED treatment pad58. The wound evacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58 is used prior tothe therapy blanket/pad 14 for removing bacteria from the wound area inpreparation for oxygenation in conjunction with thermal therapy inaccordance with the present invention. According to exemplaryembodiments, the ultraviolet light from the plurality of LEDs located onthe undersurface of wound evacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58destroys a wide variety of microorganisms such as, for example, bacteriawhich causes skin infections. In addition, the ultraviolet light fromthe plurality of LEDs improves wound healing along with cell and bonegrowth. Furthermore, the use of LEDs in light therapy is safe,non-invasive, drug-free and therapeutic.

At step 103, the therapy blanket/pad 14 is applied to the wound area.The therapy blanket/pad 14 is held in position by an adhesive borderand, in one embodiment, elastic Velcro cross straps. At step 104,according to an embodiment, an oxygenation gas comprising on the orderof 93% concentration of oxygen gas is delivered to the wound site withone to two atmospheric pressures. The numbers as set forth and shown areexemplary and other oxygenation concentrations as well as pressures arecontemplated in various embodiments. Consistent therewith, however, isthe concept of, and teachings for, thermal treatment of the wound sitein conjunction with oxygenation. In step 106, the site is warmed throughthe fluid path herein shown on the back side of the therapy blanket/pad14 up to approximately 5 to approximately 6 degrees above the bodytemperature of the patient. Warming allows the pores of the patient'sskin to open, exposing capillaries therein. The capillaries of the skinare then saturated with oxygen. In one period of time herein described,a warming period of approximately 15 to approximately 30 minutes isrecommended. At step 108, oxygenation is continued at one to twoatmospheres and the therapy blanket/pad fluid is lowered toapproximately 30 to approximately 40 degrees below body temperatures.Cooling closes the pores of the wound area and pulls oxygen into theunderlying tissue. Cooling then proceeds for approximately 30 toapproximately 45 minutes in accordance with an embodiment. At step 110,the process 300 may be repeated periodically and the wound area may becleaned of dead tissue before each treatment. At step 112, the process300 ends.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational, cross sectional view of one embodiment ofthe therapy blanket/pad 14. In an embodiment, the therapy blanket/pad 14is constructed with a single bladder 114 where thermal fluid flow may beprovided. The tubular members 16 are coupled to the therapy blanket/pad14. The therapy blanket/pad is fabricated with a circuitous flow paththerein for thermal fluid flow. The circuitous flow path may be tubularin form, or simply a path within therapy blanket/pad 14 defined by flowchannels. What is shown is a path 117 within therapy blanket/pad 14. Thepath 117 is shown with tubular ends 117A, for example, illustrating thatthermal fluid flows therein for thermal treatment of the underlyingwound area. Again, the path 117 may not be of tubular form and may havea variety of shapes and fabrication techniques well know in the art ofthermal pads.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the therapy blanket/pad 14 isseparated from the patient's skin by adhesive strips 119 having athickness of, for example, ⅛ inch. The therapy blanket/pad 14 (not drawnto scale) exposes the wound to both heat and cold via the path 117 whileoxygen is injected into the treatment chamber 50. The injection ofoxygen in conjunction with the aforesaid heating and cooling via thepath 117 helps treat the wound area and any stasis zones therein wheretissue swelling has restricted flow of blood to tissues within the woundarea. It is well known that, without sufficient blood flow, theepithelial and subcutaneous tissues referenced above receive less oxygenand are less able to migrate over the wound area to promote healing. Byutilizing the embodiments disclosed herein, oxygenation is enhanced andthe problems associated with such conditions are mitigated.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the thermal therapy andoxygenation treatment pad of FIG. 4. A dual bladder 214 is thus providedwhere air may be applied to second bladder 207 atop the path 117, alsorepresented by the “tubular” ends 117A shown for purposes of exampleonly. In this manner, select compression therapy may be afforded inconjunction with the thermal and oxygenation treatment. In that regard,air inlet tube 201 is connected to the second bladder 207. Both FIGS. 4and 5 show oxygen tube 24 for feeding oxygen to the treatment chamber50, with tube 203 allowing thermal fluid into conduits 117 with tube 205allowing thermal fluid return to control unit 12 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5further illustrates the advantages of FIG. 4 with the ability for eithercompression or sequenced compression as referenced above.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a diagrammatic illustration ofthe therapy blanket/pad 14 of FIGS. 1 and 4. The tubular members 16 forthermal fluid flow and the tube 24 for oxygen flow are clearly seen. Theadhesive border 119 is likewise shown.

FIG. 7 is diagrammatic illustration of a wound evacuation and UV LEDtreatment pad 58 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, the wound evacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58contains an array of fiber optic strand 72 to project ultraviolet lightonto a wound area (not explicitly shown). In a typical embodiment, thefiber optic strands 72 may be cleaved side emitting fibers. The woundevacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58 also contains an array of uniqueremoval ports 57 that may be used to remove any undesirable fluid fromthe wound area. The wound evacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58 furthercontains a non-tissue adhesive service 80 which contains both the fiberoptic strand array 72 and the unique removal ports 57. An adhesivecircumference 82 is located around the periphery of the wound evacuationand UV LED treatment pad 58 to allow for a seal to be formed around thewound area. The seal, in conjunction with the removal ports 57, allows anegative pressure to form over the wound area. Negative pressurefacilitates removal undesirable tissues from the wound area. The woundevacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58 is connected to a control unit12. The control unit 12 contains a vacuum pump (not shown) and aplurality of ultraviolet LEDs (not explicitly shown). The vacuum pump isconnected to the wound evacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58 via avacuum line 55. A collection chamber 56 is positioned between the vacuumpump and the wound evacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58 to interceptand store undesirable fluids, tissues, and the like that are removedfrom the wound area as a result of negative pressure applied to thewound area with the vacuum pump. The plurality of ultraviolet LEDstransmit ultraviolet light through the fiber optic strands 70 to thewound evacuation and UV LED treatment pad 58, where the fiber opticstrands 70 are then dispersed throughout the wound evacuation and UV LEDtreatment pad 58 to project ultraviolet light onto the wound area.Energy delivered by the plurality of LEDs enhances cellular metabolism,accelerates repair and replenishment of damaged skin cells, as well asstimulates production of collagen which is the foundation of a healthyand smooth skin. Light therapy is non-ablative, non-invasive, andpainless.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a wound care system according to anexemplary embodiment. In a typical embodiment, a wound care system 800includes a control unit 802, a combination therapy pad 804, and aplurality of tubular members 806 connecting the combination therapy pad804 to the control unit 802. In a typical embodiment, a wound evacuationand UV-LED unit 808 is associated with the control unit and connected tothe combination therapy pad 804. In various embodiments, the woundevacuation and UV-LED unit 808 and the control unit 802 may be containedin a single housing; however, in various alternative embodiments, thewound evacuation and UV-LED unit 808 and the control unit 802 may beindependent devices.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the use of the combination therapy pad 804incorporates cleaning of a wound with ultraviolet light and evacuationwith thermal and oxygenation therapy known to promote healing. Invarious embodiments, Velcro cross straps may be used to secure thecombination therapy pad 804. In various embodiments, an oxygengenerator/concentrator 810 may be utilized. The oxygengenerator/concentrator 810 provides, for example, a 93% concentration ofoxygen to a wound site. In a typical embodiment, the oxygengenerator/concentrator 810 may be incorporated within the control unit802; however, in other embodiments, the oxygen generator/concentrator810 and the control unit 802 may be separate devices.

Still referring to FIG. 8, fiber optic strands (not explicitly shown)direct ultraviolet light from a plurality of LEDs (not explicitly shown)to an array of fiber optic strands (not explicitly shown) located on anundersurface of the combination therapy pad 804. The control unit 802may be used to modulate the ultraviolet light to create, for example,various patterns of light, different intensities of light, and differentdurations of light. For example, in various embodiments, the controlunit 802 can be used to produce pulsed emission of the ultravioletlight.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a wound care system according to anexemplary embodiment. In a wound-care system 900, a control unit display902 is provided in conjunction with a processing unit 904. In a typicalembodiment, the processing unit 904 is an analog/digital processingunit. A plurality of sensors 906 are utilized in conjunction with theprocessing unit 904 for control of heat transfer fluids to a combinationtherapy pad 804. In various embodiments, the oxygengenerator/concentrator 810 is connected to a power supply 908. The powersupply 908 also powers the processing unit 904. Oxygen generated by theoxygen generator/concentrator 810 is pumped through a compression pump910 and a pressure switch 921 before being delivered to the combinationtherapy pad 804.

Still referring to FIG. 9, in a typical embodiment, a water/alcoholreservoir 912 is in fluid communication with a fluid pump 914 and athermoelectric cooler 916. The thermoelectric cooler 916 is controlledby the processing unit 904. In a typical embodiment, a vacuum pump 918is powered by the power supply 908. A collection chamber 920 is fluidlyconnected to the vacuum pump 918 and the pressure switch 921. Thepressure switch 921 is fluidly coupled to the combination therapy pad804. In a typical embodiment, oxygen therapy and vacuum therapy are eachadministered to the combination therapy pad 804 through a common port922. In a typical embodiment, the pressure switch 921 is capable ofadjusting the combination therapy pad 804 between vacuum treatment andoxygenation therapy.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a wound care system according to anexemplary embodiment. In a typical embodiment, a wound care system 1000is similar in construction to the arrangement described above withrespect to FIG. 9. However, the wound care system 1000 does not includea water/alcohol reservoir or a fluid pump as shown in FIG. 9. In atypical embodiment, the thermoelectric cooler 916 is in fluidcommunication with the compression pump 910. Thus, thermal therapy issupplied to the combination therapy pad 804 through heating and coolingof the oxygen supplied by the oxygen generator/concentrator 810.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration of a combination therapy padaccording to an exemplary embodiment. In a typical embodiment, thecombination therapy pad 804 includes a plurality of fiber optic strands72 to project ultraviolet light onto a wound area (not explicitlyshown). In various embodiments, the fiber optic strands 72 may becleaved or side-emitting fibers; however, one skilled in the art willrecognize that any type of fiber-optic strand could be used. In atypical embodiment, the combination therapy pad 804 also includes aplurality of oxygenation/removal ports 1102. In a typical embodiment,the oxygenation/removal ports 1102 alternate between providing oxygentherapy and vacuum therapy to the wound area.

Still referring to FIG. 11, in a typical embodiment, oxygen therapy andvacuum therapy is administered to the combination therapy pad 804 via anevacuation/oxygenation line 1104. The evacuation/oxygenation line 1104is fluidly coupled to the pressure switch 921. The pressure switch 921is fluidly connected to the compression pump 910 and the vacuum pump918. Thus, in a typical embodiment, the pressure switch 921 is capableof adjusting the combination therapy pad 804 between vacuum treatmentand oxygenation therapy.

Still referring to FIG. 11, in various embodiments, a luer lock 1106 isfluidly coupled to the combination therapy pad 804. During treatment, itis often necessary to administer various medications to a wound site.Such administration often requires removal of a wound dressing such as,for example, the combination therapy pad 804. Frequent removal of thewound dressing can increase risk of further damage to tissue immediatelysurrounding the wound site. In a typical embodiment, the luer lock 1106allows for administration of medications and other therapeutic compoundsdirectly to a wound site without the need to remove the combinationtherapy pad 804.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of a combination therapy padaccording to an exemplary embodiment. In a typical embodiment, thecombination therapy pad 1200 includes the plurality of fiber opticstrands 72 to project ultraviolet light onto a wound area (notexplicitly shown). In a typical embodiment, a combination therapy pad1200 also includes a radio frequency (“RF”) antenna 1202. In a typicalembodiment, the RF antenna 1202 comprises a wire 1204. The wire 1204extends along a length of the combination therapy pad 1204. In a typicalembodiment, the wire 1204 is disposed within the combination therapy pad1200 so that, during use, the wire is in close proximity to a woundarea. In various embodiments, the wire 1204 is insulated to reduce riskof electric shock to a patient.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a combination therapy pad according to anexemplary embodiment. The combination therapy pad 1200 includes a firstlayer 1302 having a first central gap 1304 formed therein. In a typicalembodiment, the first layer 1302 is constructed of, for example,urethane. A second layer 1305 is disposed below the first layer 1302. Ina typical embodiment, the second layer 1305 is constructed of, forexample, urethane and includes an adhesive bottom surface 1306. A secondcentral gap (not explicitly shown) is formed in the second layer 1305.In a typical embodiment, the second central gap aligns with the firstcentral gap 1304. A fiber-optic array 1308 is disposed between the firstlayer 1302 and the second layer 1305 so as to fill a space defined bythe first central gap 1304 and the second central gap.

Still referring to FIG. 13, a third layer 1310 is disposed above thefirst layer 1302. The third layer 1310 includes a recessed central area1312. The recessed central area 1312 is fluidly coupled to a vacuum tube1314 and a therapeutic fluid tube 1316. An antenna 1318 is coupled tothe third layer 1310. In a typical embodiment, the antenna 1318 isformed into a loop and is generally arranged around a perimeter of therecessed central area 1312. In a typical embodiment, the first layer1302, the second layer 1305, and the third layer 1310 are coupled toeach other via process such as, for example, adhesive bonding orwelding.

Still referring to FIG. 13, during operation, the adhesive bottomsurface 1306 is placed on a bodily region of a patient proximate a woundarea. In a typical embodiment, the adhesive bottom surface 1306 isoriented such that the second central gap is positioned over the woundarea. Thus, the adhesive bottom surface 1306 is not in direct contactwith the wound area. The fiber-optic array 1308 is disposed over thewound area and, in various embodiments, may contact the wound area.

Still referring to FIG. 12, during operation, a pulsed radio-frequency(“RF”) signal having a pulse frequency on the order of, for example 27MHz, is transmitted to the wire 1204. In a typical embodiment, anamplitude of the pulsed RF signal is on the order of, for example, afraction of a Watt. Such an amplitude is below a threshold where federallicensing is typically required. The wire 1204 receives the pulsed RFsignal and transmits the pulsed RF signal to a region in close proximityto the wound area. Exposing the wound area to the pulsed RF signal hasbeen shown to be beneficial to healing by encouraging intracellularcommunication. In particular, pulsed RF signals have been shown tostimulate cellular bonding, and metabolism.

The previous Detailed Description is of embodiment(s) of the invention.The scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by thisDescription. The scope of the invention is instead defined by thefollowing claims and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating a wound area, the methodcomprising: dressing the wound area with a therapy pad; administering atleast one of ultra-violet light and vacuum therapy to the wound area viathe therapy pad, the vacuum therapy being administered to the wound areavia a pressure switch that is fluidly coupled to the therapy pad and avacuum source; concentrating gaseous oxygen via an oxygen concentratorthat is fluidly coupled to the therapy pad; administering the gaseousoxygen from the oxygen concentrator to the wound area via the pressureswitch, the pressure switch being fluidly coupled to the oxygenconcentrator; administering, via the therapy pad, thermal therapy to thewound area; and administering a pulsed radio frequency signal to thewound area via a radio frequency antenna disposed within the therapypad.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the administering thermal therapycomprises circulating a heat transfer fluid through the therapy pad. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein the administering thermal therapycomprises providing at least one of heated and cooled oxygen to thewound area via the therapy pad.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein theadministering the pulsed radio frequency signal comprises administeringa signal of approximately 27 MHz.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising administering a medication to the wound area via a luer lockdisposed with the therapy pad.